The Taste of Minnesota has moved from flooded Harriet Island to the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia. The Festa Italiana is on the move to Island Lake Park in Shoreview. And plenty of brides and grooms who had booked their nuptials at Harriet Island are scrambling for new venues, too.
The gosh darn flood waters haven’t canceled St. Paul’s summertime fun, but they have forced some major changes of locale. So what about the vaunted 4th of July Fireworks?
They’ll proceed as planned… at the State Capitol Mall.
The site opens at 8 p.m. Friday and the explosions begin at 10 p.m. Wells Fargo, Visit St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild helped sponsor the festivities on pretty short notice, it seems from the city’s news release, below:
June 30, 2014
Free July 4 fireworks display moved to the State Capitol MallSAINT PAUL – Mayor Chris Coleman today announced that Saint Paul’s annual fireworks display will continue, despite the flood affecting Harriet Island and other low-lying areas of the City. Originally part of the event plan for “A Taste of Minnesota,” the fireworks show will instead be held at the State Capitol Mall on July 4, at approximately 10:00 p.m.
“Fireworks have long been a part of our Independence Day celebration, and despite the flooding, I am excited that this important tradition will continue,” said Mayor Coleman. “We want to thank Visit Saint Paul, the Minnesota Wild, and Wells Fargo for sponsoring this event on such short notice. I encourage families to pack a blanket, take light rail or bus to the Capitol Mall and enjoy an incredible display of fireworks.”
The family friendly event is free and the Capitol Mall will open to the public beginning at 8:00 p.m. Pre-packaged food and beverages are allowed, but grills, alcohol, and personal fireworks are prohibited. Additionally, the fireworks will not be visible from the Mississippi River area and residents are reminded to use commonsense and abide by all park and road closures, which are clearly marked.
The event area will be closed to vehicle traffic from Rice Street to Cedar Street and from University Avenue to 12th Street West. While there are parking ramps around the area, visitors are encouraged to take public transit, including light rail and bus, to and from the show.
Follow the City of Saint Paul on Facebook and Twitter or go to our website later today, www.stpaul.gov, for more information.
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